What role does testimony play in sharing God's truth, as seen in this verse? The Power of Firsthand Witness “I did not believe their words until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half of the greatness of your wisdom was told me. You far exceed the report I heard.” The Queen of Sheba’s words highlight a timeless principle: testimony—someone else’s report—can awaken curiosity, stir hope, and open a door to deeper discovery. Yet the testimony gains its greatest force when it leads people to experience God’s truth for themselves. What This Verse Teaches About Testimony • Testimony initiates interest. – She heard reports of Solomon’s wisdom long before she traveled to Jerusalem. • Testimony invites personal investigation. – Her journey shows that credible reports move listeners to “come and see.” • Testimony is confirmed—and surpassed—by firsthand encounter. – “Not even half…was told me.” When listeners meet the Source, the reality outshines the story. • Testimony ultimately glorifies the Giver, not the teller. – The queen’s astonishment magnified God, who granted Solomon’s wisdom (cf. 2 Chron 1:10-12). Echoes Throughout Scripture • John 1:45-46 – Philip tells Nathanael about Jesus; the simple invitation, “Come and see,” mirrors Sheba’s journey. • John 4:39-42 – Many Samaritans “believed…because of the woman’s testimony,” then moved to personal faith: “We have heard for ourselves.” • Acts 4:20 – Peter and John: “We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Their eyewitness account drives mission. • 1 John 1:1-3 – The apostles proclaim what they “have seen with [their] eyes” so others may share fellowship with God. • Revelation 12:11 – Believers overcome “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” God weds redemption and witness. Why Our Stories Matter Today • They make abstract truth concrete—linking doctrine to daily life. • They show God’s faithfulness in real circumstances, offering hope to skeptics and saints alike. • They bridge cultural and generational gaps; a changed life speaks every language. • They prepare hearts for Scripture, priming listeners to receive the Word that saves (Romans 10:17). Practical Ways to Share a Faithful Testimony • Stay Scripture-saturated—let God’s Word shape the narrative, not personal sentiment alone. • Be honest about past struggles and present grace; authenticity breeds trust. • Highlight God’s character more than your performance; He is the hero of the story. • Keep Christ central—link every rescue, provision, or transformation back to the gospel. • Invite listeners to “come and see” by opening the Bible with them, attending worship together, or praying side-by-side. • Rely on the Spirit (Acts 1:8); effective testimony is empowered, not merely eloquent. Living Out the Lesson The Queen of Sheba’s experience shows that God often uses second-hand reports to awaken first-hand faith. Share what the Lord has done, trust the Spirit to draw hearers, and watch as many discover that “the half was not told” them—because the fullness of God’s wisdom and love in Christ surpasses every report. |
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